The best headlamps for photographers

Robin Lund January 24, 2019 0 Gear advice, best, gear, head torch, headlamp, headlight, photographer, photography, test, tested, tips

A good headlamp should be part of the kit of every photographer. Mediarena has mapped out the best headlamps for photographers.

To qualify as an indispensable photographer’s tool, the head mounted illuminator must tick the following boxes:

Not too big or heavy
Built in USB charging
Replaceable battery/batteries
Red «night light»
Some weather resistance

As most photographers already has more than enough gear to drag around, the headlamp should be fairly small and light. Having both built in USB charging and the option to replace batteries means a minimal chance of being stuck without a working light source. The red night light makes it possible to change or check camera settings while shooting at night, without ruining ones night vision.

The charging option makes them all fairly expensive, ranging from USD $50 to $120.

Scroll all the way down for the surprising winner.

These are the models that fit the criteria (in random order):

JETBeam HR30

The JetBeam is powered by one of the now somewhat common 18650 lithium ion battery or an unprotected 20700 battery. Both of which can be charged within the headlamp via an USB-C cable. It can also run on two CR123As, but will not charge these. Max output is 950 lumens and it has a beam distance of 120 meters. One of the end caps is magnetized, which is a smart detail. You have to cycle through all brightnesses before getting the red light, so keep your eyes closed. It does have memory, though. It is heavy at 105 grams excluding the battery. An 18650 battery typically weighs 45 grams.

Pros
• USB type C charging
• Magnet
• Rugged

Cons
• Heavy
• Red light activation

Manufacturer HR30 product page
Buy the JetBeam HR30 @ Amazon

Nitecore HC65

The Nitecore HC65 is powered by one 18650 lithium ion battery or on two CR123As. Max output is 1000 lumens and it has a beam distance of 110 meters. It weighs 63 grams excluding the battery, which is about the same as the Black Diamond Revolt.

Pros
• High CRI reading mode
• Rugged

Cons
• MicroUSB (not type C) charging
• Expensive
• No magnet

Manufacturer HC65 product page
Buy the Nitecore HC65 @ Amazon

Acebeam H30

The Acebeam H30 is quite similar to the Nitecore and the JETBeam, with some differences. It comes with the 20700 style battery, but is also compatible with 18650 batteries. Acebeam claims to be the the brightest headlamp in the world (it is not), with an output of 4000 lumens at max. At max the claimed beam distance is 170 meters. An outstanding feature is the ability to use the headlamp as a USB power bank. It is possible to choose between types of lamps at purchase: 6500k or 5000k for the main lamp and red+green, red+uv or red+cri for the small lamps. Weight measurements are 80g excluding battery, 152g including a 21700 battery and the headband weighs 39g.

Pros
• Powerful
• Several lamp options
• Built in USB power bank

Cons
• Heavy (and big)
• Very expensive
• No magnet

Manufacturer H30 product page
Buy the Acebeam H30 @ Amazon

Black Diamond Revolt 300

The Black Diamond Revolt 300 is powered by three AAA batteries. A rechargeable set is included. The lamp only output 300 lumens when powered with alkaline batteries. With rechargeable batteries the max output is 175 lumens.

Unfortunately the Revolt only charge with Black Diamonds own NiMh AAA rechargeables. Those batteries are hard to come by and are reported to be prone to failure. Because of this glaring flaw this lamp can not be recommended as a rechargeable headlamp.

Pros
• Light weight (100g with rechargeable batteries)
• Works with common AAA batteries

Cons
• Charges only with Black Diamonds own rechargeable batteries (what the… !?!)
• MicroUSB (not type C) charging
• Low power (lumens and beam distance)
• Slow charging

Manufacturer’s Revolt 300 product page
Buy the Black Diamond Revolt 300 @ Amazon

Petzl Actik Core

The Actik Core from Petzl is somewhat similar to the Revolt. The supplied, rechargeable battery can be replaced with tree AAA batteries if needed. The Actik Core is a little bit brighter than the Recharge with a max lumen output of 350. Max beam distance is 95 meters.

Pros
• Very light weight (82g with the rechargeable battery)
• Works with common AAA batteries

Cons
• Can only charge supplied battery, not AAA Ni-MH
• MicroUSB (not type C) charging, slow charging
• Battery compartment must be open to charge
• Low power (lumens)

Manufacturer’s Actic Core product page
Buy the Petzl Actik Core @ Amazon

How do they compare?

All the lamps has their strengths and weaknesses. You’ll have to choose based on your own preferences. If weight and size is the main criteria, then the Actic Core might be the better option. If brightness and beam distance is more important, then the HR30 or the HC65 are better suited. If power bank functionality is a must, then the Acebeam is the only option.

As we know from smartphone, it is possible to make waterproof USB ports. Which none of these lamps have, as the USB ports are behind a flap or screw cap. Especially the latter is rather cumbersome.

For a single lamp, my personal favorite of the above is the Nitecore HC60, even though I wish they had updated it with USB-C and added a tail cap magnet. The JETBeam HR30 comes second. The Black Diamond Revolt would have been the favorite because of the common AAA batteries, but they made the Revolt a no-go by limiting charging to only their own subpar batteries.

However, I now prefer to carry two lamps. The Nitecore NU25 (read below) for convenience and the Acebeam H30 as a backup for both lumen power and charging power.

Similar options:

• The Nitecore HC90 is discontinued by Nitecore, but is still available at Amazon and Ebay.

• The Fenix HL60R is very similar to the JETBeam HR30 and the Nitecore HC60, but heavier than them both.

• The Fenix HP25R ticks most boxes, but at well over 200 grams it outweighs all of the above headlamps.

Do you know of other headlamps that fit the criteria of this list? Shout out in the comments.

Smaller option (WINNER!):

Nitecore NU25

The Nitecore NU25 has a built-in, non-replaceable, lithium battery. As such, it does not fit the criteria set for this list. However the built-in lithium battery means that the NU25 is very small, light weight and generally handy. Not being able to replace batteries on site can be rectified by carrying a power pack (which you probably should anyways in these times when everything needs to be charged).

At 360 max lumens the NU25 is bright for its size, but naturally can not compete with the larger headlamps. Max beam distance is rated to 81 meters. The red lamp has two power modes and a ‘caution’ mode.

I have actually come to love this lamp from experience, even beyond its pros. On a late autumn hiking trip I got caught by the dark and got lost. Luckily I had the NU25 in my backpack. It had not been charged for a year. Even so, it gave me just enough light for long enough that I managed to find an alternate route down the mountain. It might have saved my life, or at least saved me from a freezing cold night without shelter.

Pros
• Extremely light weight (28g with the rechargeable battery)
• Small
• High CRI option
• Affordable (approx. $35)

Cons
• MicroUSB (not type C) charging
• Low power (lumens)

Manufacturer NU25 product page
Buy the Nitecore NU25 @ Amazon

DISCLOSURE: Amazon links are affiliate links. The article will be regularly updated. Mediarena has bought and tested the HR30, the HC65, the Revolt and the NU25.